Page 7 of Heartless Union

“But it got rid of your cancer the first time.”

“I know it did. But it also weakened me. We almost lost this house because I couldn’t do my job. Make my money. Provide for you. I don’t want to feel that way again.”

I stood up from the table, unable to understand what my dad was telling me. “But the cancer will make you feel sick as is.”

“No, it won’t. I have stage four lung cancer. And I feel fine. For now. But I know if do chemo, I’ll be a shell of my former self. I’m not going to die a weak man in my bed while my daughter is left alone in this world. I’m going to stay strong for as long as possible. My doctor told me I have a few more months to live. That gives me plenty of time to get things done. Now, sit back down. Please.”

I did. “Dad, I need you to try. For me. I’ll have no one when you go. I haven’t seen Mom since I was …” I shook my head. “I can’t even remember.”

“Your mother leaving us left a stain on my heart. I know it did for you, too. And I know all we have is each other. But I’m going to make sure you’re ok. That you’re safe, my Lara. I promise you that.”

And that was the end of the discussion. My dad made it very clear his mind was made up, and he had no intention of changing it.

Now, with my father telling me I have to marry a Mafia man, I know he’s doing this to protect me. His way to make sure I’m not alone when he dies.

He pats my hand. “I knew you’d understand. The meeting with Rocco and his father will take place in a couple of days. I know you’ll do your duty, my Lara. I don’t just want power for myself. I want power for you. This world is a man’s world. Without me, the vultures will come swooping in. You need a powerful husband at your side, and who is more powerful than the son of the most powerful man in New York?”

“Are they really that powerful? I’ve never heard of them.” Even though I know what my father does, he’s never really spoken to me about it. I don’t know the names of any other Mafia families. Just another way my father has kept me safe. And just another way I’ll be on my own once he dies.

“The most powerful. Leonardo runs this city. He owns almost all of it. But I know he’s fallen on to some hard times, financially speaking. He could use my money to help. I told him I would help him if he married his eldest son to you.”

I push my plate away. “You make me sound like a cow sold at auction.”

He reaches over and cups my cheek. “Not at all, my Lara. I only want you married to make sure you’re protected. It’s not about power for me. I’ll be dead in a few months anyway. It’s power for you, my darling. Please understand that.”

Looking into my father’s eyes, I can see his sincerity. My father has always been there for me. When my mother left, he comforted me. Drew me closer in to him. We’ve been bonded together ever since.

I know he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. If he believes this is the right call, then I’ll trust him.

“Ok,” I finally say. “I understand.”

He taps my cheek. “I knew you would. There’s one thing you should know about the De Lucas. Leonardo is used to getting his way. I sensed it the second I met him. Now, I’ve never met his sons. I’m not sure if they’re the same as their father. But I’m asking you, Lara, to get along with Rocco. For your own safety, make this marriage work.”

“Be a submissive wife,” I whisper. I’m not surprised. I’ve always been on the shyer side. It takes a lot to get me to snap. If Rocco is accustomed to getting what he wants, he’ll want a submissive, docile wife. I can do that. I know how to please people.

“That’s my girl. Make me proud. And make sure you’re smart about this. Don’t do anything that could jeopardize this alliance.”

“Dad, what could I do? I’ll smile and be polite. If you want me to marry him, then I’ll make it happen.

He smiles once more before getting up from his chair. However, he stumbles and hits his hip on the table.

“Are you ok?” I ask, rushing over to him.

He holds up a hand. “I’m fine, my Lara. I just got lightheaded for a moment. I’m fine. I’ll be even more fine if I know you’re ok.”

I’m not sure how to answer that. How can I be ok with my dad dying? The only person to be there for me. To love me.

“I’ll try for you,” I tell him. That, I can manage.

His expression is so grateful, I almost feel bad for not telling him how I really feel.

The last memory I have of my mother, she was kissing me goodnight. Even though I was young, I could sense something wasn’t right. There was a nervous energy about her like she was keeping a secret from me.

I’ll never forget her warm brown eyes. I got my father’s blue ones, but I was always so jealous of my mom’s eyes. They had so much depth to them.

Now, as an adult, I realize why that was—she was keeping secrets. The secret of her not wanting to be my mother any longer. The secret of her wanting to escape.

When she did leave, that was it. I haven’t seen her since then. I wouldn’t even know where she was. The sad part is, I’m not even sure I’d recognize her.

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